FeeL Less Busy iN Five miNutes stuck in overdrive? try one of these simple tricks to slow down.

​Zone out according to a 2012 article published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, daydreaming can help improve your memory, imagination and ability to manage your emotions. turn off distractions (that is, silence your smartphone) and let your brain shift into neutral—a well-rested mind will thank you with a more thoughtful, creative outlook.

Play Hard “in our workaholic culture, play is undervalued and seen as a waste of time, but it’s what opens us up to new experiences and creativity,” says Brigid schulte, author of 2014’s Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time. reclaiming a sense of fun doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hunker down in a sandbox—simply doing something you like can open up a space for yourself that’s not on your todo list, says schulte.

Get Creative Making art—whether it’s colouring, doodling or playing with clay—has been shown to significantly lower stress hormones. self-doubters take heed: you don’t even have to be good at it. a 2012 study published in the journal Art Therapy showed that making art produced positive physiological changes in people, regardless of their skill level.

turn on tHe tunes if you’re feeling overwhelmed, plug in your headphones and turn up the volume. Numerous studies have shown that listening to music before stressful situations positively influences the body’s nervous system. to max out the benefits, try a playlist of relaxing sounds, such as rippling water or classical music.

take a BreatHer “at work we’re just discharging our energies, so breaks help recharge,” says Nagaswami. Have a snack, take a walk or stretch. “downtime can help energize and give your brain time to connect the dots and provide perspective,” adds Balasundaram.

sHake it off Manchanda recommends standing in one place and shaking your body vigorously with your eyes closed. this will help let go of the built-up stress in the body. Can’t find a corner? “taking five deep breaths will work,” she adds.